As a child and a young man, I remember watching movies such as "Waiting to Exhale," "Set it Off," "A League of their Own" and "Soul Food."

Anwar Curtis (PennLive file)

In each one of these movies, I observed groups of women coming together, making a bond and staying committed to it regardless of their circumstances because these women understood how significant a sisterhood is.

Gillian Sumpter is a woman who lives by those values.

With so many distractions that are still placed in front of women today, Sumpter took it upon herself to be proactive, creating an event for women she admires, "Boss Babes," to encourage women to find their voices and honor what makes them beautiful, which is their confidence. Group members encourage each other to pursue their goals.

For too long, society has been dominated by groups of people that have made women feel insecure and undervalued. These stigmas have affected women no matter their race.

These stigmas lead to high cases of domestic violence, which results in a lack of communication skills and builds walls upon walls of trust issues. When women battle being unhappy, they tend to overlook their part in the world, producing balance.

By developing "Boss Babes," Sumpter made a goal to have women work together, using their gifts to step over boundaries and understand that their value is limitless.

One of Sumpter's biggest influences is Taqiyya Muhammad, a local artist who strives to help heal others through painting.

"Taqiyya is somebody that I go to for everything. She has known me from day one," Sumpter says.

After working for a local youth center, Muhammad noticed her life evolving.

Taking a leap of faith, Muhammad started her own business, Paint Parties with Taqiyya, teaching children and adults the importance of expression. Nobody really knows what a person is suffering from, but everyone needs an outlet to express themselves.

Painting is essential to the healing process because it is extremely therapeutic and allows a person to become vulnerable without an explanation.

"When somebody sees something in you that you don't see, you cultivate that energy. You should also naturally feel compelled to push that back into somebody else," Muhammad says.

Sumpter also felt that it was important to have an underdog on her side, a person who has her own story to tell. Sumpter understood other women could relate to it. Ashley Rooks, a young lady who has talent out of this world considers herself an introvert.

Rooks says she is excited to be connected with a group full of African-American women who aspire to inspire.

Many believe being an introvert gives people a disadvantage in life.

On the contrary. Being reserved gives Rooks the upper hand, allowing her to manifest her many gifts.

Rooks is a graphic designer and photographer who has pushed herself to surpass her own expectation, balancing both a career and motherhood.

"I have expressed to Gillian how much she has encouraged me to live my dream and use the gifts God gave me to work this thing out," she says.

Then you have LaTasha Williams. Sumpter considers her a "boss babe" because of her drive, paving her own way. "LaTasha has a really good energy. Sometimes in this city we look to the people whose names are on everything. LaTasha is somebody people need to look up to and respect for her craft" Sumpter said.

If you are wondering what those achievements are, look no further. Williams is studying to be a criminal defense attorney. She also lives the life of an entrepreneur.

Over the years, African-American women haven't had too many options when it comes to buying hair products from their own race. Williams currently has her own hair extensions line, Elevated Extensions.

"When you have a passion, you often extend your services for free," Williams says. By connecting her passion with her business, Williams' ultimate goal is to allow Elevated Extensions to help fund her passion, which is giving legal representation to convicted felons who believe they have been falsely accused. This has birthed Elevated Advocacy.